Johor poll sees Bersama’s first outing as Rafizi names 15 candidates across constituencies

JOHOR BAHRU, June 27 — Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) confirmed its first electoral appearance and named 15 candidates for the upcoming Johor election slated for next month.

The lineup features a mix of young and experienced candidates, with most being newcomers.

Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said the candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, businessmen, academics and youth.

He explained that opening the party’s candidate applications to the public was meant to do away with the culture of political patronage and to identify potential elected representatives who can be responsible to the voters.

Rafizi, who was PKR’s former deputy president, said that the national political field needed a new approach by focusing on solving the people’s issues rather than engaging in toxic power struggles between political parties.

“There is an urgent need to address the real problems faced by the people such as issues concerning the cost of living and home ownership.

“Bersama is not here to divide (the current political scene), but rather to offer a healthier platform that is free from the culture of political attacks and conflicts.

“The people want elected representatives who understand their problems and are willing to voice it out without being held to specific political interests,” he said in his address during Bersama’s official candidate announcement for the Johor state election last night.

The event, held at the Paragon Market Place in Tampoi here last night, also saw the launch of the party’s campaign truck called the Kancil Truck for the upcoming poll.

Also present were Bersatu president Syukri Razab and its co-leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

About 400 people turned up for the announcement held at the open-air car park.

Rafizi, who is also former Pandan MP, pointed out that the people are not entirely tied to a single political party, but may also vote for individuals who are willing to champion their interests.

He said elected representatives need to be bold in overcoming political challenges to address the people’s issues related to housing, development, land and welfare.

Previously, Bersama said its seat allocation for the Johor election would be based on voter demographics and voting tendencies.

This also includes data collected over the past six months to gauge the suitability of the candidates.

The Election Commission (EC) has set today as nomination day, July 7 for early voting and July 11 for polling day. The Johor state legislative assembly was dissolved on June 1.

Bersama’s candidates for the Johor state election are:

Bukit Naning (N.14) - Iskandar Md Alias

Mahkota (N.29) – Abd Hamid Ali

Tiram (N.40)– Harith Fakhrudin Abd Malek

Puteri Wangsa (N.41) – Nicholas Paul Vincent

Johor Jaya (N.42) – Lau Yi Leong

Permas (N.43) – Dr Zamil Najwah

Larkin (N.44) – Norsinah Abu

Stulang (N.45) – Stanley Tan

Perling (N.46) – Boo Wei Han

Kempas (N.47) – Salamahafifi Mohd Yusnaieny

Skudai (N.48)– Eugene Chua Meng Chong

Kota Iskandar (N.49) – Sahrudin Omar

Bukit Permai (N.50) – Muhammad Aidil Riduan Mohd Yusof

Bukit Batu (N.51) – Tamili Gopalakrishnan

Senai (N.52) – Tew Chian How